Guidance on means of escape for the purpose groups listed in Table 1 are contained in Subsections 1.4 -1.9, excluding the specific buildings outlined in Para 1.2.1 and Para 1.2.2.

· Subsection 1.4: Design for Horizontal Escape

· Subsection 1.5: Design for Vertical Escape

· Subsection 1.6: Means of Escape from Flats

· Subsection 1.7: Means of Escape from Shopping Centres

· Subsection 1.8: Small Premises

· Subsection 1.9: General Provisions for Means of Escape

Subsections 1.4 to 1.8 as appropriate should be read in conjunction with Subsection 1.9.

Where another use forms part of a building (other than where ancillary), the appropriate guidance relevant to its use should be used (see Subsection 0.5).

Where different uses form part of a shopping centre, further recommendations for these situations are contained in Subsection 1.7.

In the case of shop or office, with no storey larger than 280 m2 and having no more than 2 storeys plus a basement storey, the guidance in Subsection 1.8 may be followed instead of the provisions of Subsection 1.4 and Subsection 1.5.

1.1.1 Hospitals

Guidance on the provision of means of escape in Hospitals (Purpose Group 2(a)(i)) is provided in:

(a) Chapter 3 and Chapter 5 of Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05-02, and

(b) Subsection 1.9 (General Provisions for Means of Escape) of this Technical Guidance Document.

Hospitals, in particular, require that evacuation procedures be given special consideration in the design of the means of escape. The principle of progressive horizontal evacuation is particularly relevant.

Guidance on all other aspects of compliance with Part B, including compartmentation, is contained in Sections 2 - 7 of this document. Where sprinklers are used, any provision set out in HTM 05-02 which diminishes a requirement given in this Technical Guidance Document are not appropriate.

1.1.2 Stadiums, Grandstands or Other Outdoor Spectator Accommodation

The design of outdoor spectator accommodation, e.g. sports pavilions, stadiums, grandstands or other forms of spectator accommodation is outside the scope of this document.

Guidance on the adequate design of such accommodation is contained in:

Code of Practice for Safety at Sports Grounds (Department of Education); or
The Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, also known as the “Green Guide” (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, U.K.).

However, where internal accommodation is provided, or the means of escape from the viewing area passes into the building, the relevant guidance outlined at Subsections 1.3 to 1.9 should be used. Care should be taken in the design of the capacity of escape routes within the building, where spectators use internal escape routes.

1.2 Use of This Document for the Design of Means of Escape